I am advised that the HSE National Environmental Health Service (NEHS) has no statutory remit in relation to the investigation and abatement of public nuisances, other than under the Rats & Mice (Destruction) Act 1919. Under this legislation HSE Environmental Health Officers have powers to serve notice where the occupier/owner of a property fails to take such steps as may from time to time be necessary and reasonably practicable for the destruction of rats and mice on or in any lands or premises of which they are the occupier/owner. In cases where properties are unoccupied/vacant a notice can be served on the owner once ownership details have been established.
In circumstances where the cases reported do not fall within the statutory remit of the HSE/NEHS, advice is given in relation to who the most appropriate authority may be, and a referral may also be made to that authority where appropriate. For example, matters in relation to waste management, derelict sites, and air pollution fall under the remit of the relevant Local Authority, while matters in relation to water and wastewater come under the remit of Uisce Éireann.
In the investigation of all such matters, referrals to other HSE social supports may be made by the Environmental Health Officer if necessary and appropriate to assist the homeowner.
